This ‘quickie’ playlist contains 4 songs sure to make you “Love Yourself.” Featured artists are Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, The Boxcar Rebellion & Ne-Yo.

“I just want a quick fix / Up in your mix.” That exemplifies a “Quickie”…according to Miguel that is. Anyways, this playlist keeps it things extremely short and sweet.  There are merely four songs.  All four of the songs are named “Love Yourself.”  There’s one exception, but even Ne-Yo incorporated the two key words into his song title.  Honestly, there’s really not much to say, so let’s just get into these 4 songs to make you ‘love yourself.’ There’s some serious self-love right here.

1. Justin Bieber, “Love Yourself”

Album: Purpose, 2015

Def Jam 

“Love Yourself” was ‘kind of big deal’ for Justin Bieber.  Actually, more accurately, the Ed Sheeran penned record was a ‘helluva big deal’ for the tatted pop star.  When the song arrived on Purpose, I personally asserted it was “good, but doesn’t set itself apart from the crème de la crème.” Hmm, looking back, someone – yours truly – was “Dead Wrong,” to quote Trey Songz.

But, there was some acknowledgement of the thoughtful song: “Bieber deserves credit for the singer/songwriter vibe – or maybe it’s co-writers Benjamin Levin and Ed Sheeran.” The chorus is the song’s best attribute.

“Cause if you like the way you look so much / Oh baby you should go love yourself.” 

Renowned YouTube parody king Bart Baker had some fun with the Grammy-nominated, no. 1 hit.

2. Mary J. Blige, “Love Yourself”

Ft. Kanye West

Album: Strength of a Woman, 2017

Capitol

“Love Yourself,” from Strength of a Woman opens similarly to some Mary J. Blige records of old.  There’s heavy, low register piano coupled with harp.  “Love Yourself” conveys a sense of drama and heartfelt emotion from the start.   Blige sets up the record, speaking on love.  After a slow, mysterious intro, the hip-hop soul element kicks in.  There are hard, anchoring drums, a brilliant, looped trumpet sample, and Blige blessing us with strong, emotional vocals. The most memorable moment of the entire song lies within the chorus.

“Oh, you gotta love yourself / If you really wanna be with someone else / You gotta feed yourself / Before you feed somebody else.”

3. The Boxer Rebellion, “Love Yourself”

Album: Love Yourself – Single, 2017

Absentee Recordings

UK alternative-indie band The Boxer Rebellion delivers a beautiful, thoughtful song, “Love Yourself.” Frontman Nathan Nicholson, the sole American, delivers a strong vocal performance, filled with emotion – tenderness and thoughtfulness. It’s pitch-perfect in regards to the lyricism, not to mention the pitch itself.  Although it initially hangs around a minor key, by the chorus, it reaches the relative major, looking towards happiness and self-fulfillment through loving yourself.

“But I know, you’re just someone who’s feeling all alone / You’re just someone who doesn’t seem to know which way to turn / If you just ask for help, if you just ask for help / First thing I’ll say is you gotta love yourself.”

4. Ne-Yo, “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)”

Album: R.E.D., 2012

Motown

“Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself)” has an exhaustive, wordy title, of but ends up being a well-rounded record. “Let Me Love You…” aims for pop-crossover, much like previous Ne-Yo hits “Closer” and “Beautiful Monster.” While this is the aim, it doesn’t exceed those gems.  Even so, it’s solid and definitely a hit.

“Girl let me love you and I will love you / Until you learn to love yourself… don’t be afraid, girl let me help…”

Obligatory gimmickry rears its head on the repetitive, brief bridge (“for every heart that beats… heart that beats…”). Overall, it works without a hitch.

Photo Credit: Def Jam, Capitol, Absentee Recordings, Motown